JPN: Japan Airlines JL36 (Business)
Plot twist: the non-Japanese dishes were more delicious!
Prior to that trip to Tokyo, Japan last year in a bid to catch early-blooming sakura (lit. cherry blossom), I'd never stepped into Haneda Airport. The opportunity came when I redeemed some miles to fly in style with Japan Airlines. After relaxing at British Airways Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 1, my BFF and I boarded the aircraft at 10.00pm.
Welcome drink service was absent. After departure, late night snacks were offered to those who didn't wish to sleep immediately for the 6.5-hour flight.
JL Meal #1
Seared Tuna Sashimi Sicilian Style - Taste: 8/10
Words can't express how much I love seared fish. Done Sicilian style, the seared tuna was seasoned with a little bit of olive oil and sea salt and garnished with edamame (Japanese green soybeans) and sliced almonds.
Rolled Chicken and Egg Noodle - Taste: 8.5/10
I didn't expect the Chinese dish to be so delectable. Swimming in thick herbal gravy were strands of egg noodles that were adequately chewy and two pieces of chicken rolls that were fork-tender. They were topped with some juicy mushrooms and half a cherry tomato.
Rice Crackers
Instead of nuts and the likes, each passenger was given a packet of rice crackers. I found them to be appetising as they were really crunchy without being overly salty.
Beverages
To accompany the savoury snacks, I opted for a glass of umeshu (Japanese plum wine), which was crisp and refreshing, given its nice balance of the sweet and the sour. After I was done with the whole thing, I also requested for a glass of Sky Time Kiwi, which is the airline's signature drink. The neon green-coloured drink tasted unique with an unmistakable kiwi aroma, and it was pretty light on the palate.
JL Meal #2
Appetiser Bento - Taste: 7.5/10
For the Japanese breakfast, I started off with the assorted fresh fruits - watermelon, honeydew, papaya, dragon fruit and pineapple - that were juicy. The cold dishes looked beautiful, but taste wise, they weren't the most fantastic. There were Japanese egg omelette, seared fish cakes, soy sauce-simmered kelp, corn tofu and pickled vegetables. Also, the most interesting item would probably be the jellied duck and vegetables that tasted
Grilled Seasoned Ocean Perch - Taste: 8/10
The lightly grilled ocean perch, which was seasoned with just a little bit of salt, tasted great. It was succulent, but also came with quite a bit of fine bones. Accompanying it were some steamed vegetables. I especially enjoyed the pumpkin as it was bursting with natural sweetness.
Miso Soup & Steamed Rice
The miso (Japanese fermented rice, barley and/or soybean) soup was flavourful. The bowl of steamed Koshihikari, a premium Japanese short-grain rice, lived up to my expectations too.
Egg Soufflé with Gruyère Cheese - Taste: 8.5/10
The star of the Western breakfast, and in fact the entire in-flight food, was the egg soufflé. It wasn't only fluffy, but also more than cheesy enough for my taste buds with heady fragrant of chopped herbs. I was hoping for the mushroom cream sauce to be richer, but it certainly wasn't bad at all. The chicken sausage, long beans and cherry tomatoes were all equally juicy.
Fresh Salad - Taste: 7.5/10
Served in a transparent bowl were leafy greens, julienned cucumbers and bell peppers, which were still fresh enough. They came with French dressing that was quite piquant and refreshing.
Fresh Fruits
It was exactly the same selection of fruits as in the Japanese breakfast.
Greek Yogurt
Plain yogurt with mixed berry compote would win my heart any day.
Bread
I may be wrong, but I don't recall seeing the flight attendant bringing a bread basket around. Instead, the bread was probably already placed on the tray. Anyway, it was quite airy and fluffy.
Beverages
Both my BFF and I had a glass of orange juice each. I believe the airline also carries apple, tomato and grapefruit juice as well. At the end of the meal, I had a cup of green tea that was unfortunately quite weak.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
Do look forward to more exciting lunch menu on the return flight. Pika's advice: If you still want to eat more, you can request for any of the JAL cup noodles during the flight.
Japan Airlines
Business Class Cabin
Boeing 777-200
*No separate price given as meals are included in the ticket price.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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